47 Mission Gamma 4 by Robert Simpson

Author:Robert Simpson [Simpson, Robert]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: General, Fiction, Science Fiction, Space Opera, Adventure
ISBN: 9780743445665
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published: 2002-09-30T23:00:00+00:00

13

Dax signaled at Vaughn's quarters. No answer came. She tried again, and again the chime went

unanswered. "Sir, it's Dax," she said in a raised voice. "I need to speak with you."

Silence again, which made Dax's frustration grow. She was debating whether or not to order Chao to

beam her directly inside the cabin when she heard Vaughn's voice.

"Come."

The doors parted. She looked inside before entering. Like all the rooms onDefiant, the C.O.'s cabin

was smaller in comparison to its counterparts on most other Federation starships, albeit a little

larger than the crew's quarters on board. Vaughn was sitting on the edge of the room's single bunk,

leaning forward with his elbows resting on his knees, hands folded. His uniform jacket was tossed

over the chair by his desk.He looks, Dax thought,as if he hasn't slept in days.

"In or out, Lieutenant," he said when Dax hesitated a second too long.

Dax entered and waited until the doors hissed shut behind her. "Pardon the intrusion, sir. But I

need to speak with you about the current situation aboardship."

"Which situation is that, Dax?" Vaughn asked wearily, lowering his head. He was looking at the

combadge he held in his hand.

"I think you know what I'm talking about, sir," Dax said, unable to keep the edge out of her voice.

"And I think you've forgotten that what you're talking about isn't open to discussion," Vaughn said

without looking up.

"Be that as it may," Dax said, "we're going to talk about it. Now."

Vaughn looked up. "Excuse me?"

"Sir, you can throw me in the brig after I'm done if you want, but I'm going to have my say, and

you're going to listen."

Vaughn laughed quietly. "You think getting in touch with your inner Curzon is going to make me put

up with this? You're dismissed, Lieutenant."

"Dammit, I'm not trying to be Curzon," Dax snapped. "I'm trying to be your first officer, and your

friend. Or are you so wrapped up in yourself that you don't need either one anymore?"

Vaughn rose to his feet suddenly, staring down at Dax. "I strongly suggest you walk out of here

now, Lieutenant, while I'm still willing to pretend this insubordination never happened."

Dax didn't budge. "Why aren't we on our way to the Alpha Quadrant, sir?"

"I've already said-"

"The Borg have been here, Commander," Dax said. "They've been to the Gamma Quadrant. We should be

learning everything we can about this incursion and taking that intelligence home as quickly as

possible. Instead, you're making the restoration of Commander Tenmei our top priority and putting

the crew at unnecessary risk. Why?"

Vaughn said nothing.

"You're the captain of this ship," Dax went on. "You have a duty to these people who have done

nothing but serve under you faithfully for this entire voyage. And you have a duty to the

Federation to put its security before personal considerations."

Vaughn's hands, Dax saw at the periphery of her vision, had clenched into fists. He was shaking

visibly now, but once again Dax held her ground, and his stare. Finally he turned and flung his

combadge with all his might at the mirror across the room. With a sharp impact the badge hit the

reflective shatterproof panel point-first, and became imbedded in it.

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